How to get hired at Providence Fire Department
Providence hires entry-level Firefighter/EMT recruits through applications posted by the Fire Department on PublicSafetyApp, with a $35 fee. Candidates take a general aptitude written exam, the RIAFC Physical Performance Assessment (or submit a valid CPAT), an oral interview, and a background check with psych, medical and drug testing. Recruits attend a paid academy of up to 26 weeks and must earn RI EMT-Basic before graduating. The next academy is tentatively planned for 2027.
Apply / get notifiedOfficial recruitment page
Minimum requirements
- At least 18 years old src
- High school diploma or GED src
- Valid motor vehicle operator's license src
- U.S. citizen or authorized to work in the U.S. src
- RI EMT-Basic before academy graduation; EMT-Cardiac or Paramedic within 36 months of appointment src
- No residency requirement; Providence residents who pass the exam get 10 bonus points src
- $35 application fee src
Certifications
- EMT: earned in the academy
- Firefighter I/II: not required (academy provided)
Source: official page
Tests
- General aptitude written exam (written) src
- RIAFC Physical Performance Assessment (PPA) or CPAT (physical): Valid CPAT/PPA within one year accepted; otherwise PFD schedules one src
- Oral interview (oral) src
Hiring process
- Apply online (PublicSafetyApp, $35)
- Written aptitude exam
- Physical performance assessment (PPA/CPAT)
- Oral interview
- Background, psychological, medical and drug testing
- Academy (up to 26 weeks)
Source: official page
Starting pay
Academy $20/hr. After academy, $53,827/yr ($1,034.15/week for a 42-hr schedule) plus EMT stipends src
Academy
Paid academy up to 26 weeks, 40 hrs/week, tentatively starting in 2027 src
Checked 2026-11-05 against the department's official pages (linked). Hiring windows open and close quickly; always confirm on the official site before you apply. See every academy, EMT program and test site in Rhode Island.